Director of Athletic Fundraising and Sponsorship Programs

Gardner-Webb University is seeking an experienced and highly motivated individual to become the next Director of Athletic Fundraising and Sponsorship Programs. Reporting directly to the Vice President for Advancement, the Director will be responsible for increasing Bulldog Club membership and securing philanthropic gifts from the University’s 37,000 alumni, community friends, and corporate partners. The Director will play a crucial role in supporting Gardner-Webb’s student-athletes who compete in 22 NCAA Division-I sports, with key responsibilities including the management of the Bulldog Club, major gift fundraising, and development of strategic sponsorship programs.

Primary Responsibilities:

The Director will

Gardner-Webb University is seeking an experienced and highly motivated individual to become the next Director of Athletic Fundraising and Sponsorship Programs. Reporting directly to the Vice President for Advancement, the Director will be responsible for increasing Bulldog Club membership and securing philanthropic gifts from the University’s 37,000 alumni, community friends, and corporate partners. The Director will play a crucial role in supporting Gardner-Webb’s student-athletes who compete in 22 NCAA Division-I sports, with key responsibilities including the management of the Bulldog Club, major gift fundraising, and development of strategic sponsorship programs.

Primary Responsibilities:

The Director will

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• Understand and demonstrate a clear commitment to helping build championship athletic programs at a growth-oriented, private Christian University.
• Design, lead, and implement fundraising strategies that increase support from alumni, parents, faculty/staff, students and friends of the Gardner-Webb.
• Effectively grow and manage a portfolio of donors and prospective donors who have an affinity for athletic programs.
• Lead and manage a team that focuses on expanding athletic philanthropy, booster participation, and athletic sponsorships.
• Serve as a liaison between University Advancement and Athletics to prioritize needs and implement donor-centric strategies.
• Oversee the planning of special events, including home and away event receptions (travel required).
• Facilitate the recruitment and deployment of the Bulldog Club volunteer board.
• Manage distribution of all Bulldog Club merchandise and benefits, including oversight of the season ticket process for Bulldog Club members.
• Ensure quality stewardship and communication for members at all levels of giving.
• Represent the University positively and professionally as a public ambassador.
• Support the mission and values of the University.
• Fulfill other duties as assigned by the Vice President for Advancement or the President.

Education and Experience:

• Bachelor’s Degree is required
• At least three years of full-time professional experience working in Advancement or a similar profession, with priority given to experience in Athletics.
• Experience working in a results-driven environment and meeting quantitative goals.

Knowledge/Skills/Abilities:

• Appetite and enthusiasm for high-volume discovery work
• Exemplary oral and written communications skills
• Strong organizational skills with a focus for detail

About Gardner-Webb University

Gardner-Webb University is North Carolina’s recognized leader in private, Christian higher education. A Carnegie-Classified Doctoral/Professional University, GWU is home to six professional schools, 14 academic departments, more than 80 undergraduate and graduate majors, and a world-class faculty. Located on a beautiful 225-acre campus in Boiling Springs, N.C., Gardner-Webb prepares graduates to impact their chosen professions, equips them with the skills to advance the frontiers of knowledge, and inspires them to make a positive and lasting difference in the lives of others. GWU Athletics competes at the NCAA Division I level in the Big South Conference (with select sports in the Southern Conference and the Coastal Collegiate Sports Association).

Interested applicants should submit a letter of application, curriculum vitae, and contact information for three references through the main website.

Review of applications will beginimmediatelyand continue until the position is filled. Candidates should complete the application and include a letter of interest, résumé, and names and contact information for at least three professional references with their submission.

Gardner-Webb University (gardner-webb.edu) is a coeducational, residential, private, historically Baptist, Christian institution,locatedin Boiling Springs, North Carolina with easy access to Charlotte, Asheville, and Greenville-Spartanburg. The University offers 80+ undergraduate and graduate degree programs to approximately 3,000 students. GWU is a Carnegie-classified Doctoral/Professional University. In 2023, Gardner-Webb was home to students from 93 counties in North Carolina, 44 US states, and 43 foreign countries. GWU is a NCAA Division I institution with 22 athletic teams and 460 student-athletes.